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DIY Cloth Napkins | The Hostful Hive

Do you remember the days when crafting shows were the original Pinterest? Shannon and I would look forward to visiting our Nana in South Florida so that we could craft our little hearts out. We’d set up a table in her Florida room, line up all the paint brushes and jump right into hosting our very own crafting show. We crafted, took pretend commercial breaks and spoke to an invisible audience. Those days hold some of our most favorite memories, and it wasn’t until recently that we realized those memories were stepping stones to bringing some of our dreams to life.

Our family has always been very close on both sides. Large Christmases hold full tablescapes, our Grandmother’s favorite china and we can always count on our favorite recipes being served. Other family gatherings include sitting around the large dining room table for hours on end, sharing homemade Italian meals, playing card games and laughing until we cry at our Grandfather’s jokes. And while these gatherings take place in two different homes, our two Grandmothers are always the hostesses, and we’ve learned a lot from them both over the years. We’ve grown to love hosting, and we know it’s due to the years of exposure of their love for serving others and making their guests feel loved and at home as soon as they walk through their doors.

Last year Shannon and I began working towards merging our love for crafting and hosting together. It didn’t take long for word to spread and as thirty women entered West Elm and took their seats, we squeezed hands and held back the urges to scream. Our childhood dreams and years of advice from our Grandmothers finally came full circle and became a crafting workshop, also known as, The Hostful Hive.

What is The Hostful Hive?

The Hostful Hive is a collection of local DIY workshops intended to inspire the hostful at heart. The Hostful Hive provides the community an opportunity to craft and create and to connect with others from all walks of life. At The Hostful Hive, we believe hospitality is intentional, yet subtle, and with a little planning and creativity, we can serve others well and with great love. Each creative workshop gives us the chance to create beautiful pieces to use while hosting future events for loved ones and can also serve as gifts for our favorite hostess!

“XOXO”

This napkin was done freehand! HAVE FUN with it! Use a thicker brush to get the organic look above.

Just start at the top of your napkin & work your way from left to right – top to bottom.

“FORKS”

Dip the back of your fork into the paint and dab it on a piece of paper before applying to your napkin. Alternate from horizontal to vertical each time you stamp your fork onto the napkin.

“CROSS, HEARTS & SCALLOP”

Design & cut a cross, heart and scallop stencil using your Cricut or Silhouette and Silhouette Vinyl Stencil Paper. This paper has adhesive on the back of it which makes it so simple to place on the napkin, paint and then lift and do it again. The fabric paint dries quickly which helps with the stencil process! If you do not have a Cricut or Silhouette, simply purchase your favorite stenicls at your local crafting store!

“DOTS”

Cut a paper straw in half and dab into the paint. If the paint creates a bubble, blow through your straw onto a piece of paper.

Use your straw as a stamp in random places all over your napkin.

Follow care instructions on the back of the paint bottle.

Just remember to have fun with your craft! There is no right or wrong way to paint these. Make them true to you and your home decor.